Soldering apparatus



Sept. 15, 1942.

H. J. GARDNER SOLDERING APPARATUS 1 Filed Sept. 11; 1940 20 2a 27 INVENTOR.

HOWARD J. GARDNER Z30 A T TORNE K Patented Sept. 15, 1942 UNITE D STAT E S PAT ENT F F [GE SOLDERING APPARATUS Howard J. Gardner, Hawthorne, Calif-l Application September 11, 1940, Serial No. 356,262

/ 13 Claims.

My. invention relates generally to feeders for soldering irons, and more particularly to automatic solder feeders for use with mechanicallyoperated soldering irons.

In manufacturing, it is often necessary to solder two members together which, because of their size, shape, or' for other reasons, may preferably be heldby hand: instead ofin a jig or other mechanical holding 1 device. be used'to hold the article to be soldered, a soldering iron provided with a solder feeder, such as thatdiselosed in my copending application Serial No. 310,150, filedDeoember 20, 1939, now

Patent No. 2,254,521, may be used, but if both handsmust be used to hold the article, other means must beiprovided for holding the soldering iron and. solder feeder. The soldering of terminal-lugs omwires isan example of the type of work inwhich the operator-may advantageously use both handsto hold the articles to be soldered, since by holding the lugs in one hand and the wire in the other, the two may be very rapidly placed. together: in their proper position. If a drop of solder is thenplaced inlxthe proper location, the two will be seourelyheld, but to apply the melted solder requires either the services of another person or amechanically-operatedmeans under the control of the/workman.

It'- is therefore a major object: of my invention to provide a mechanically-operated soldering apparatus which is under the control of the work man at alltimes, but whichleaves both of his handsfree to holdthe work,

It isanother object of my invention to providesuch a soldering apparatus which -supplies a predetermined-amount-of solder at each operation,

but-which may havethis quantity varied withinrelatively wide limits;

It is a further object of my invention to provide such adevice in:which an y one of several types of solder isimmediately availablasuohas acidcore" wire soldier, or plain ribbon type solder.

These and other" objects of my invention will. become apparent from the following description of preferred and optional forms thereof, and- If only one hand need Fig.1, showing the feeder mechanism in operative position, with a portion ofthe housing broken awayto show the action of the pivoted foot;

Fig. 4 is: a side elevationalview taken at 44 in Fig. 1, with a portion of the housing broken away to show an optional-type of feeder mechanism that I prefer to use with flat or ribbon solder;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken at 5 -5 in Fig. 4, and showing the advancing foot and the retaining dog, and

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional-view tak'enatli-li in Fig. 4 and showing the" connection of-the ad'- vancing foot-to the operating plunger.-

Referring now to the drawing, and particularly to Fig. 1' thereof; the nunieral lO indicates a columnar support of any suitable type whiehhas a movable carrierblock- I l at itsupper: end; At tached to th'e carrier block ll is a soldering iron I2; and on-either side of the soldering iron} 12- have-shown-solder feeders l3 and I 4", th'oug'hit. will be apparent that additional solder feeders may be provided if desired. To move the car rier block H andits attached soldering iron I2 and feeders I3 and M, I provide a foottreadle [5 K to which-isattached an operating rod' or cable N5 preferably extending-through the columnl0 to the carrier block Il A -spring l 1, shown in'FigL- 3, urges the carrier block upwardly, so that when pressure on the foottreadle I5 isreleased; the carrierblock I I, soldering iron I 2,- ar-id feeders 13*" and- M return to their normal position. It will be" apparent, of course, that other types of opera tive means may be provided, and' in the claims the expression mechanical means is to" be um derstood as including the foot treadle justde scribed, as well as other manually and power operated means.

I As shownin Figs. 2 and 3, solder 25 is supplied from a reel (not shown) to a housing- 2"2 attached to the carrier block ll'which enclosesthe solder advanoing mech'anism. Within the housing 22 1s" a vertically-extending plunger 2| to whichis firmly attached a olevis 24, anda spring Zil-bears againstthe clevis and the lower end ofthe hous ing urging the plunger upwardly. Pivotally at tach'ed'to the olevis 24-is a foot zilhavin'g a'serrated sole surface adapted to bear against the solder 25 and urged thereagainst by a spring- 26;

the teeth of the foot being shaped'so' that they: will be forced into the solder when the foot is advanced, but will ride over it, against the urging of the spring, when the foot is returned".

Parallel to the axis of the plunger 2| and adjacent the sole of the foot 20, I provide a groove 53111 the side of the housing22, of a size suflicient to hold the solder and guide it, while permitting the solder to be engaged and moved forward by the serrations on the sole of the advancing foot 20. To permit the use of differentsized solders, I have pivoted the foot and curved the sole thereof in an are such that the heel is much closer to the pivot point, measured radially, than the toe of the foot, and in this Way, if a larger solder wire is used, the foot is merely rotated so that its sole is moved away from the side of the housing (in a counter-clockwise direction as shown in Fig. 3), while continuing to bear against the solder. The pivotal mounting and arcuate surface of the foot 29 make the alternate engagement and riding over of the foot possible without placing any strain on it, while at the same time insuring a positive pressure on the solder.

To prevent any possibility of the solder moving back with the foot 26 when the latter is returned, I provide a dog 21 which is pivotally attached to the housing 22 and provided with serrations similar to those on the foot 20 and likewise adapted to bear against the solder 25. The

serrated surface of the dog 21 is arcuately formed,

so that as the bearing surface of the dog is urged upwardly by the solder 25, the serrations are wedged into the solder; and since the latter has previously had ridges formed in it by the serrations of the foot 2!], the dog 21 will firmly grip From the housing 22, the solder 25 is guided downwardly to the tip of the soldering iron l2 by a tubular conduit preferably formed of aluminum, and having a curved portion at its lower end to direct the solder against the tip of A the'iron. To provide for variations in the position of the soldering iron 52, I prefer to form the conduit of an upper, outer tube 3%], split at its lower end and provided with a nut 3| which may compress the split end to hold securely a smaller tube 32 in the proper position. By keeping the conduit 30 spaced a slight distance from the side of the soldering iron l2, the conduit and the solder advancing mechanism are kept cooler, while a curve at the lower end of the tube 32 directs the solder against the tip of the iron where it is needed. A similar conduit arrangement may be used to guide the solder from the supply reel or the latter may be positioned above the advancing mechanisms l3 and I4 so that no conduit is necessary.

It will be apparent that the farther the plunger 2| is depressed, the farther the solder 25 will be advanced, and hence the greater the amount of the latter that will be delivered to the soldering iron [2. To provide simple means for depressing the plunger, adjustable so that different amounts of solder may be delivered for equal movements of the iron I2, I have provided the linkage arrangement shown in Figs. 2 and 3. As shown therein, the housing 22 is provided with a slotted ear extending toward the column and adjacent the ear is a slotted lever 4|, pivotally attached to the'column so that when the carrier block II is in its normal position, the slot in the lever 4| is aligned with the slot in the ear 4| Extending through the slots and holding the ear 40 and lever 4| together is a screw provided with a wing nut 42 which may be loosened to move the screw back and forth in the slots to any desired position. By making the slot of the ear 40 narrower than the slot in the pivoted lever 4|, a bushing may be provided which will extend through the latter slot and bear against the car 49, so that when the wing nut 42 is tightened, the screw will be firmly held by the ear 4! and will permit the pivoted lever 4| to turn about the bushing surrounding the base of the screw.

The screw must be free to slide in the slot in the pivoted lever 4|, since the ear 48 moves vertically, while the lever will have a horizontal component of motion since it is pivoted. On the upper side of the end of the pivoted lever 4| nearest the feeder mechanism I4, I provide a Z-shaped member 44 adapted to have its upper flange 45 bear against the upper end of the V plunger 2|, with the lower flange 46 supported by the pivoted lever 4|. In addition, the lower flange 4B is longitudinally slotted to receive a screw having a wing nut 41 adapted to bear against the upper surface of the flange 46 and hold the Z-shaped member 44 in a predetermined position. As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, when the Z-shaped member 44 is moved toward the feeding mechanism l4, it will be in position to bear against the top of the plunger 2| so as to force the latter downward, but when the member 44 is moved away from the feeding mechanism, as shown in dotted outline in Figs. 2 and 3, the upper flange 45 will not touch the plunger, and hence the plunger will not be operated when the soldering iron I2 is depressed. By moving the screw and wing nut 42 to a. point near the feeding mechanism M, the plunger 2| will be depressed only a relatively slight amount for a given vertical movement of the soldering iron l2, since the pivoted lever 4| then has a relatively long lever arm. However, if the screw and wing nut 42 are moved near the column [0, the lever arm of the lever 4i will be relatively short, and the same given vertical displacement of the soldering iron |2 will cause a much greater movement of the end of that arm, and hence the plunger 2|.

In this way, by adjusting the position of the screw and wing nut 42, the amount of solder delivered to the soldering iron i2 at each operation is under the control of the operator at all times, and in addition, by the movement of the Z-shaped member 44, the solder delivered by any one feeder may be used or not, as occasion may demand.

As an optional form of feeding means, I have developed the form shown in Fig. 4 which is particularly suitable for use with flat or ribbon type solder. Since this form of solder can be bent easily in only one plane, i. e., one perpendicular to its width, the solder must be advanced through its feeder mechanism so that the bending which takes place at the lower end of the tube 32 will be in this plane. In order that the advancing mechanism for both the wire and ribbon solder may be similarly shaped and disposed, I have developed the form of feeder shown in Figs. 4, 5, and 6. In this form, a plunger 2| extends through a housing 22 and is urged upwardly therein by a spring 23 as in my previously-described form. Attached to the plunger 2| is a clevis member 24a to which is pivotally attached an advancing foot 20, but the clevis member 240. is designed so that the line of contact of the advancing foot with the solder 25a is substantially parallel to a plane determined by the axes of the plunger 2| and the solder, instead of being substantially perpendicular to this plane, as in my previously-described form. The" foot 20 is identical with that. or my previously described form, having an arquate sole surface with serrations therein to engage the solder, and as in my previously-described form, I; provide a spring 26 to'urge the foot against the solder at all times. A dog 21 urged by a s ring 28 bears against the solder to prevent its moving back when the foot 20. is returned to its normal position.

Instead of forming a groove in the housing itself, to receive the solder, I prefer to provide a channel member 52 which may be removed for repair or inspection of the advancing foot 20,

and which is provided with a groove 53 adapted to receive the particular size and type of solder being used. Thus, if a narrow width ribbon solder is being used, a channel member having a relatively narrow groove therein is placed in the advancing mechanism, whereas if a wider ribbon solder is being used, a channel member having a wider groove is used; similarly a V-shaped groove may be used for round solder.

In both forms of solder advancing mechanism, cover plates are provided for the housing, so that dirt, dust, and other foreign matter are excluded from the mechanism, while permitting ready inspection and repair. While the two formsof advancing mechanism Work equally well,

the first form, that used for the round solder, is somewhat simpler in construction, but the second form, that used for. the ribbon solder, may be used in certain applications where the first form is not suitable. It will be apparent, of course, that it is a simple matter to provide the first form with a removable channel member so that it too may feed either wire or ribbon solder, in order that it may likewise have as universal ,an application as the second described form.

While I have shown a block type of mounting for the advancing mechanisms 13 and I4 with the iron l2 mounted between them, it is to be understood that any suitable type of mounting wherein the advancing mechanism and the iron are rigidly held together may be employed.

In the operation of this soldering apparatus,

the operator selects the type of solder for the work to be done, adjusts the Z member 44 feeding that particular type of solder so that the member will bear against the plunger 21, and moves the remaining Z members back so that they will not touch their respective plungers. By then adjusting the position of the screw and wing nut 42, the correct amount of solder will be delivered at each operation, and uniform results, so important in mass production, may thus be obtained. By then placing the Work to be soldered beneath the iron l2 and depressing the foot treadle IS, the iron will be lowered to the work and simultaneously solder will be delivered to the iron in the correct amount. When the pedal I5 is released, the spring I! will raise the iron to its original position, and the plunger 2| will return to its uppermost position, ready for another cycle of operation.

While I have shown and described a preferred and optional form of my invention, I do not wish to be limited to the particular form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown, since it will be apparent that modifications may be made which come within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A soldering apparatus of the class described which includes: a, support; a carrier reciprocably mounted on said support; mechanical means fo mo in sa d carrier; a so de in iron attached to. said carrier and moved therewith; a supp y o r lativ ly fl x ble solder; mean ttached to said carr er for a vanc n Sa e means attached to said carrier for guiding said solder from said a anc n m ans o the tip o said soldering iron; a slotted arm rigidly connected to said carrier and extending therefrom toward said support; a slotted lever pivotally attached to said support; a member extending through said slots and pivotally connecting said slotted arm and said slotted lever; and a member attached to said slotted lever and adapted to actuate said solder advan in me ns wh n said carrier is moved with respect to said support.

2. A device as described in claim 1 in which said solder advancing means includes a plunger to which is connected a. pivoted foot having a serrated surface adapted to bear against said solder.

3. A soldering apparatus of the class described which includes: a support; a carrier reciprocably mounted on said support; mechanical means for moving said carrier; a soldering iron attached to said carrier and moved therewith; a supply of relatively flexible solder; a housing attached to said carrier and moved therewith; a reciprocable plunger within said housing, urged in one direction by a spring; a foot pivotally attached to said plunger and having a serrated arcuate surface adapted to bear against said solder and advance it; spring means urging said foot against said solder; a pivotally mounted dog having a serrated surface adapted to bear against said solder and restrain its motion in one direction; spring means urging said dog against said solder; means adapted to direct said solder from said housing to the tip of said soldering iron; and means attached to said support and adapted to reciprocate said plunger.

4. A device as described in claim 3 which is provided with a removable channel member adapted to support the entire length of solder within said housing.

5. A soldering apparatus of the class described which includes: a support; a carrier reciprocably mounted on said support; mechanical means for moving said carrier; a supply of relatively flexible solder; a soldering iron attached to said carrier and moved therewith; a housing attached to said carrier and moved therewith; a reciprocable plunger within said housing; spring means urging said plunger in one direction; grooved means adapted to guide said solder through said housing; a foot pivotally connected to said plunger and having a serrated arcuate surface adapted to bear against and advance said solder within said housing; spring means urgin said foot against said solder; a pivotally mounted dog having a serrated surface adapted to bear against said solder and restrain its motion in one direction; spring means urging said dog against said solder; extensible tubular means adapted to direct said solder from said housing to the tip of said soldering iron; and adjustable means attached to said support and connected to said housing to reciprocate said plunger a predetermined amount.

6. A device as described in claim 5 in which said grooved guide means consists of a removable channel member.

'7. A device as described in claim 5 in which said plunger reciprocating means includes a slotted ear rigidly attached to said housing and extending therefrom toward said support; a slotted lever pivotally attached to said support; a member extending through said slots and pivotally connecting said slotted ear and said slotted lever; and a member attached to said slotted lever adapted to reciprocate said plunger when said carrier is reciprocated.

8. A soldering apparatus of the class described which includes: a support; a carrier and mounted on said support and adapted to be reciprocably moved with respect to said support; a soldering iron attached to said carrier and moved therewith; solder advancing means attached to said carrier and moved therewith and adapted to deliver solder to the point of said iron, said advancing means being operated by a reciprocavble plunger; and means attached to said support and adapted to operate said plunger when .said carrier is reciprocated, said operating means :including a pivotally mounted lever carrying a .member which bears against said plunger.

9. A soldering apparatus of the class described,

which includes: a support; a carrier reciprocably lIl'lOlll1t6d on said support; a soldering iron at- :tached to said carrier and moved therewith; a :supply of relatively flexible solder; means at :tached to said carrier for advancing said solder; a slotted arm rigidly connected to said carrier and extending therefrom toward said support; a ;slotted lever pivotally attached to said support;

:a member extending through said slots and pivtotally connecting said slotted arm and said slotited lever; and a member attached to said slotted lever and adapted to actuate said solder advancfing means when said carrier is moved with re- ;spect to said support.

10. A soldering apparatus of the class described, which includes: a support; a carrier relciprocably mounted on said support; a soldering iron attached to said carrier and moved therewith; a supply of relatively flexible solder; :means attached to said carrier for advancing said solder; a slotted arm rigidly connected to said carrier and extending therefrom toward said support; a slotted lever pivotally attached to said support; means pivotally connecting said slotted arm and said slotted lever; and a member attached to said slotted lever and adapted to actuate said solder advancing means when said arrier is moved with respect to said support.

11. A soldering apparatus of the class described, which includes: a support; a carrier reciprocably mounted on said support; a soldering iron attached to said carrier and moved therewith; a supply of relatively flexible solder; a housing attached to said carrier and moved therewith; a reciprocable plunger within said housing, urged in one direction by a spring; a foot pivotally attached to said plunger and having a serrated arcuate surface adapted to bear against said solder and advance it; spring means urging said foot against said solder; means to restrain return motion of said solder; means adapted to direct said solder from said housing to the tip of said soldering iron; and means attached to said support and adapted to reciprocate said plunger when said carrier is reciprocated.

12. A soldering apparatus of the class described, which'includes: a support; a carrier reciprocably mounted on said support; a soldering iron attached to said carrier and moved therewith; a supply of relatively flexible solder; a housing attached to said carrier and moved therewith; a reciprocable plunger within said housing, urged in one direction by a spring; a foot pivotally attached to said plunger and having a serrated arcuate surface adapted to bear against said solder and advance it; spring means urging said foot against said solder; means adapted to direct said solder from said housing to the tip of said soldering iron; and means attached to said support and adapted to reciprocate said plunger when said carrier is reciprocated.

13. A soldering apparatus of the class described, which includes: a support; a carrier reciprocably mounted on said support; a soldering iron attached to said carrier and moved therewith; a supply of relatively flexible solder; a housing attached to said carrier and moved therewith; a reciprocable plunger within said housing; a foot pivotally attached to said plunger and having a serrated arcuate surface adapted to bear against said solder and advance it; spring means urging said foot against said solder; a pivotally mounted dog having a serrated surface adapted to bear against said solder and restrain its motion in one direction; spring means urging said dog against said solder; means adapted to direct said solder from said housing to the tip of said soldering iron; and means attached to said support and adapted to reciprocate said solder advancing foot when said, carrier is reciprocated.

HOWARD J. GARDNER. 

